Plans for a 24-storey development in Belconnen unveiled

Plans have been unveiled for a new 24-storey mixed-use development in Belconnen.

It will comprise three components along Emu Bank standing at 24, 18 and 13 storeys and house 300 residential units with commercial space on the ground floor.

Per-se Developments managing director Anthony Tokich said the complex, designed by architects Redgen Mathieson, will set a new standard for apartment living in Belconnen.

“It’s a timeless piece of architecture,” Mr Tokich says.

“Architecture in its best sense is art and that’s what’s being delivered here.”

The development will occupy two blocks of land next to Westfield Belconnen, which were purchased via tender last year for $13.15 million.

The sites, known as blocks 34 and 37 – section 52 Belconnen, are 2110 and 2690 square metres respectively.

They were sold in June 2015, with a development application for 319 residential units already approved.

A DA for minor changes to the original plans is in the works, but Mr Tokich said the changes were small and focused on architectural enhancements to the development.

He said Redgen Mathieson was approached to elevate the complex’s design.

“We wanted to create a beautiful, understated precinct – a place to be rather than just another building,” Mr Tokich said.

Architect Phillip Mathieson said the site lent itself to a waterfront development. Because it is long and narrow, each apartment will offer views across Lake Ginninderra.

“It’s a fantastic site,” Mr Mathieson said.

“Each apartment faces north and will have an amazing view.”

He said the project was unlike anything Belconnen had seen and it would be comparable to the developments found at the Kingston Foreshore.

The ground floor of the buildings, which will accommodate up to 10 commercial units, will be predominantly restaurants.

Mr Tokich said residents’ feedback had been overwhelmingly positive, with those living in and near the town centre looking forward to seeing extra amenity being delivered to Belconnen.

The project will add another high-rise development to the Belconnen skyline, which already includes the 20-storey developments Altitude and Sentinel.

Geocon’s 27-storey Wayfarer development will be completed this year, and plans for the developer’s $500 million mixed-use precinct are also being finalised for the town centre.

Mr Tokich said preliminary construction on blocks 34 and 37 would begin next month.